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Scholarships worth £26,000 up for grabs

Returning for the sixth consecutive year, Razzamataz is delighted to announce that the scholarship auditions in association with The Stage newspaper will officially open on May 12th.

There are a bumper 40 scholarships up for grabs across the UK to both current students of Razzamataz and those that don’t currently attend a part-time theatre school.

Megan Wharton, scholarship winner at Razzamataz Carlisle

As well as being offered a free place at their nearest Razzamataz, the scholarship is a huge boost of confidence and can lead to amazing experiences. Take Megan Wharton from Razzamataz Carlisle who was awarded the scholarship last year after she submitted a video of a commercial dance that she had choreographed herself. Since winning the scholarship, Megan was delighted to attend The Stage photo shoot and has recently accepted a place on a professional dance course at Scotland’s leading performing arts institute the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

“If it wasn’t for Razzamataz, I doubt I would be going on to further my performing arts training in September,” says Megan.

Charlotte Waygood, scholarship winner at Razzamataz Rickmansworth

For other students, such as Charlotte Waygood, age 14 from Razzamataz Rickmansworth, applying for the scholarship has given her the opportunity to join a theatre school. Charlotte impressed the judges with her mature and in depth acting monologue. “Charlotte displayed an outstanding level of skill for her age,” explains Amy Latchman, Principal of Razzamataz Rickmansworth. “Razzamataz wanted to give her the chance to blossom and work on other aspects of her performance and felt joining in with the singing and dancing classes would give her this opportunity.”

It doesn’t matter whether you are like Megan, who has been with Razzamataz for 11 years or like Charlotte who is brand new to the theatre school, the scholarships are open to all children from the ages of 8 to 16.

“We are looking for raw talent so it doesn’t matter if you have not taken part in any performing arts classes before,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We can spot the potential in these youngsters and know that with training from our highly experienced teachers, these young people can acquire the skills they need to progress in the performing arts.”

As well as talent, the judges are looking for a strong dedication to the performing arts, maturity and a real desire to learn.

To ensure as many youngsters as possible can enter, Razzamataz has created a scholarship system where students and potential students film a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, commercial dance (hip hop or street), pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece. The demo does not have to be professionally filmed. Applicants will also complete a short application form detailing why they would like to take this opportunity.

The deadline for auditions, which are open for children between the ages of 8 to 16, is July 31st. Apply directly to your local school or visit online at http://www.razzamataz.co.uk/what-we-do/the-stage-scholarship/

Where are they now: The Stage scholarship winners:

Amelia Dunbar, 12 from Razzamataz Dumfries
Amelia sang the song April and showed huge potential and a willingness to learn and progress. Since winning the scholarship, Amelia continues to develop her craft and is performing solos and duets at this year’s showcaseDelesha McGuiness, 10 from Razzamataz West Cumbria
Delesha sang A Thousand Years, and impressed the judges with her raw talent and passion for performing. Delesha has embraced her scholarship and continues to have a positive proactive approach to all classes. Delesha has secured solo work within this year’s showcase and outside of Razzamataz.

Ellisa Oakley, 14 from Razzamataz York
Ellisa won her scholarship for her outstanding dance ability. Having created her own choreographed set she stood out with her control and creativity. Ellisa has been offered a place at the prestigious Phoenix School of Dance in Leeds, which she attends weekly along with Razzamataz. Ellisa hopes to pursue a career in dance.

Tyler Martin, 16 from Razzamataz Medway
Tyler was praised by the judges for performing for every minute of the piece right through to the ending position and note. Since winning the scholarship, Tyler secured a role as a guest singer at the Medway Try Angle Awards at Central Theatre.

Autumn Gale, 13 from Razzamataz Maidstone
The judges praised Autumn for having a real clarity to her voice, which is very versatile. Autumn is due to record at Abbey Road Studios and tour NYC in December and she has been offered a place at Redroofs Theatre School and Barbara Speak.